Working as an Audio & Video Recording Technician

BC is Canada’s largest and North America’s third-largest centre for motion picture production in North America. The province offers over 120 sound stages and more than 130 animation, VFX and post-production companies. The majority of  both direct and indirect jobs associated with film & TV industry are located in Metro Vancouver. However, the industry is expanding into into B.C.’s regions, particularly the Okanagan and Vancouver Island.

As Canada’s third largest music centre, BC has a diverse pool of writers and musicians who can create and perform all genres of music.  BC also has world class recording studios for use in film/television or digital media. BC’s music industry is also comprised of more than 80 independent record labels and over 200 sound recording studios. Overall, the music industry in BC is comprised of small companies (less than five employees).  Some of the companies include world-renowned recording studios such as The Armoury and Warehouse Studio and Nettwerk Music Group.

The interactive and digital media sector has 161 video game companies. 62 of these are micro, 83 standard and 19 large organizations.

Sources: Creative BC,  Creative BC: Annual Impact Report, 2020-2021

Audio and Video Recording Technicians

Chart from WorkBC

WorkBC provides job openings projections within BC regions:

You can learn more about working as an Audio and Video Recording Technician in BC from:

Audio and video recording technicians are employed by film, video and concert production companies, sound recording firms, theatre and dance companies, clubs, bands, multimedia companies, radio stations, television networks and video production and editing companies.

In BC, the median annual salary for audio & video recording technicians is $66,739.

Hourly wages for sound technicians working in film tends to be the highest. Television stations usually pay higher salaries than radio stations; commercial broadcasting usually pays more than educational broadcasting; and stations in large markets pay more than those in small markets.

If you work on a full-time or regular part-time basis, you often receive benefits in addition to your salary. Typical benefits include paid vacation, sick days, and dental coverage. Techs who are self-employed must provide their own benefits.

Source: WorkBC & Career Cruising

In BC regions, you can expect to earn:

Source: Job Bank Wages

Full time AV technicians normally work a 40-hour week but your hours can vary. Schedules of AV techs are often irregular, and can include evening and weekend work. Overtime may also be required for some events.

For sound technicians, hours vary greatly in this field. Technicians working in film are generally on short-term contracts, but spend long days on a set. Those working on daily programs at radio or television stations are more likely to work a standard 40-hour week.

Source: Career Cruising (Profiles for Audio Visual Techs and Sound Techs)